Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

सूर्येन्दुकान्तयश्चैव नीलो वर्णान्तिमश्च यः ज्योतीरसस्य रम्यस्य स्यमन्तस्य च भागशः //

Transliteration

sūryendukāntayaścaiva nīlo varṇāntimaśca yaḥ jyotīrasasya ramyasya syamantasya ca bhāgaśaḥ //

Translation

Likewise, there are the Sun-stone (sūryakānta) and Moon-stone (candrakānta); and that gem which is deep blue as the final shade of color—these, in due portions, are shares of the lovely radiance-essence (jyotīrasa), namely the Syamantaka.

Word by Word

• sūryendu-kāntayaḥ: the Sun-stone and Moon-stone (gems associated with solar/lunar brilliance)

• ca eva: and indeed/likewise

• nīlaḥ: blue, sapphire-like

• varṇa-antimaḥ: the ultimate/final shade of color, the deepest hue

• ca yaḥ: and which/that which

• jyotī-rasasya: of the essence (rasa) of radiance/light (jyotis)

• ramyasya: beautiful, delightful, charming

• syamantasya: of Syamantaka (the famed jewel)

• ca: and

• bhāgaśaḥ: by portions, in shares, as divisions/types.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (context: teaching on ratna-lakṣaṇa)

Entities Mentioned

• Syamantaka
• Suryakanta
• Chandrakanta
• Nila (blue gem/sapphire-type)

Tags

• Ratna Shastra
• Gemology
• Syamantaka
• Suryakanta
• Chandrakanta

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse does not address pralaya; it belongs to a technical section on gems, describing how certain luminous stones are considered portions or types related to the famed Syamantaka jewel.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

In a royal/householder context, ratna-lakṣaṇa guides the selection and valuation of auspicious, high-quality gems—useful for treasury management, gifts (dāna), and ritual patronage—by identifying recognized classes like sūryakānta, candrakānta, and nīla gems.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse implies ritual-utility through “radiance-essence” gems: such stones are traditionally recommended for consecrations, offerings, and ornamentation of icons/temples where brilliance and auspicious qualities (tejas/jyotis) are symbolically important.